Rob Uttaro
Some time ago, I had the privilege of having an Alexander Technique session with instructor and practitioner Rob Uttaro, following a car accident. As a yoga teacher with a background in martial arts, I thought I was "aware" of my body, and "why it was behaving as it was", almost as if my body were somehow this separate entity that I was seeking to communicate with and understand.
What I had not realized until the session began, was that subtle awareness of tension in my lower back...not pain caused from injury. This was different...
"Your body experienced trauma from the accident and there was a shock to your system," Rob explained.
It was at that "ah ha" moment that something dawned on me. Yeah, I had a "shock" to my lower spine in the accident. Not long afterwards, I had the "shock" involving a place of employment, and varying "shocks" in my personal life. It was then that I realized that my low back hurt - not randomly - but every time in my life where I felt an emotional SHOCK. I had somehow developed emotional muscle memory, that I have since been aware of (along with that in my neck and left shoulder), easily remedied by consciously relaxing muscles in those areas as I became aware of them.
As an integral part of healing, meditation and yoga, I knew that the Alexander Technique needed further exploration, and was fortunate enough to have Rob Uttaro make himself available for an interview:
Q: Some people are hearing about the Alexander Technique for the first time. Can you briefly describe what it is, and what drew you to it?
A: The Alexander Technique (AT) is the Un-Learning of patterns or habits that interfere with how we move in our lives. The key to change is awareness. Once we are aware that we are interfering (getting in our own way), we can choose to let go and experience the freedom and ease of movement.
From the Alexander perspective, you can not separate the physical, mental, emotional, psychological or spiritual aspects of a human being. So, the changes affect the student in many ways.
I was introduced to the Alexander Technique from a Yoga teacher in Boston. It had changed not only her life, but the lives of her children and father. I later found out that several of the yoga instructors at the studio had taken Alexander Technique lessons and had integrated the technique into their Yoga practice.
I had been suffering from chronic neck and back pain for over a decade. I had tried all types of healing modalities both conventional and alternative. The Alexander Technique helped me so much that I took the 3 year training course to become a Certified Alexander Technique Teacher. I wanted to share this beautiful technique with others.
Q: Is the Alexander Technique something that people can practice on their own, or do they need a qualified facilitator? If it can be incorporated into self-practice, can you describe a basic exercise that's safe for people to try on their own?
A: I recommend seeing a Certified Alexander Technique Teacher for at least 1 lesson to experience the lightness, ease, and increased kinesthetic awareness that comes with a lesson. This experience will help when you are on your own and applying the principles of AT to your life. The Non-Doing aspect of the work is something that would be experienced in a lesson with a teacher.
Being aware of your breathing is something that will help you to use yourself in a more free and easy manner. Allow the air to come in and out of your lungs. No need to "suck in air" or "push it out", just allow and notice. The more you notice, the more you will catch yourself when you interfere with your breathing.
There are many "transitional moments" throughout the day. These moments are where we tend to get in our own way and cause unnecessary tension. In relation to yoga, when switching form one pose to the next, notice. Are you holding your breath? Notice what happens when you let go of the holding, and allow breathing to happen.
A: The Alexander Technique will bring more joy to any activity, especially yoga or meditation. It will be easier to go in to poses or to sit for a long period of time. You will sense more connection to your body and your surroundings. You will be doing less and being more.
At the core of the Alexander Technique the same principles are active as at the core of meditation or yoga. Being one with life; no resistance or suffering. Sensations of lightness, joy, and bliss. You are everything and nothing at once.
Q: Can you give an example of how the AT has been impactful for you or a client?
A: As I mentioned before, I had experienced chronic neck and back pain for over a decade. The pain had affected me so much that I was unable to enjoy activities like reading a book or going to the movies.
Once I was introduced to an Alexander Technique teacher, I knew the work would help me with the pain, and it did significantly. What I didn't know is how the work would allow me to enjoy so many other aspects of life. Everything became easier. I loved to walk. I was enjoying chores. I was more present to life and less reactive.
I have witnessed similar results in many of my students. The Alexander Technique allows one to be available to respond instead of react. It's a completely different way of relating to the world.
*****
If you are interested in learning more about the Alexander Technique please phone Rob Uttaro: (941) 587-8009 or email robuttaro@yahoo.com . Lessons available at the I Am Healing Arts Center in Sarasota FL www.iamhealingarts,com
Mention this article when scheduling, and receive a 50% discount for a private Alexander Technique lesson.
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Comments
Interesting article. There's increasing evidence that moment-to-moment awareness and acceptance of pain actually reduces it. Perhaps the pain-relieving effects of the Alexander Technique can be (at least partly) traced to this reason. I know mindfulness meditation works this way. Based on recent research, you can read about how/why mindfulness alleviates pain on this Website:
http://www.meditation-techniques-for-happiness.com/meditation-for-chronic-pain.html
It would be interesting to know if there's common ground between the Alexander Technique and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction.
Oz,
Thank you so much for the link. There is definitely a common ground between the Alexander Technique and Mindfulness Meditation (as well as related disciplines). All paths "get you there", it's just that some are more appropriate for specific people. Or, for me, seeing someone else's perspective, helps "put an enlightened spin" on my own.
Thanks again,
~Danielle
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